I only used it for a short time after I wiped out the pods. Then I kept it in all the time. I think it's easier to get used to new furniture if it's just there all the time and the real advantage of the feeding station was that you could leave stuff in there for a long time (hours) and still be able to get it all back out.
Right now mine are just coming to a little rock cave they expect their food at now. It's convenient but of course I can't clean up afterwards so I just give them what they can eat right away on the rock.
In the feeding station you can leave more food and just leave it in there longer.